Marijuana-growing operation called largest in Pittsburgh in 25 years

Some police officers are calling it the biggest marijuana-growing operation they've seen in the city of Pittsburgh in 25 years. The value of the marijuana seized could range from $500,000 to $1 million.

Three burglars inadvertently alerted authorities to it when they tried to steal bags full of marijuana from the operation, on the second floor of a commercial building at the corner of Davison Street and Urbana Way, in the city's Lawrenceville neighborhood.

Police found 325 green marijuana plants inside, plus still more previously harvested drug. The Drug Enforcement Administration has joined Pittsburgh police and the Allegheny County Crime Lab in processing the scene. Investigators wearing protective suits and breathing masks were systematically carrying out plants and chemicals and taking inventory of the evidence: bags upon bags and plants upon plants of marijuana.

Lawrenceville neighbors were shocked to learn a major, sophisticated marijuana growing lab was operating out of the second floor above a vending service company.

"My children play on these streets, and it's scary. Who are they selling to? The kids? I don't like it," said Michelena Golden, of Lawrenceville.

Someone called 911 to report suspicious activity in the neighborhood and police who arrived discovered two of the burglars with four garbage bags full of the drug. A third man waiting at a car with a pit bull was also arrested.

Police identify them as 31-year-old Michael Snee, 30-year-old Shaun Hollis and 34-year-old Frederick Jeffcoat. Police said all three men are from McKeesport. They face charges of burglary, conspiracy, drug possession and other counts. Police have not publicly identified whom they believe is responsible for the marijuana growing operation. Pittsburgh Public Safety Department spokeswoman Sonya Toler described it as a sophisticated one.

"Some officers on the scene have told me this is the largest marijuana grow lab they have seen in 25 years. We are estimating somewhere in the upward numbers of 300 plants we'll pull out of this building today," Toler said.

Lawerenceville neighbors are marveling at the boldness of the marijuana growing.

"Yeah, bold is the correct word. To do it above a business is bold. You know, and with as much traffic here, it's too bold to grow stuff like that," said resident Laura Smith.

Neighbors said they'd never guess their streets were hiding the biggest marijuana operation in Pittsburgh since President Ronald Reagan left office and Sophie Masloff started her first full term as Pittsburgh's mayor.

"Right under our nose. I mean absolutely. This is a sleepy part of Lawrenceville, and 25 years, that's amazing. I had no idea," said neighbor Steve Patton.

A business called Complete Vending Service occupies the first floor of the building, which is owned by the operator of the vending service. Police say the second floor is rented to a tenant whom investigators would not publicly identify. No one has been arrested or charged with operating the marijuana lab.

Photos: Large marijuana-growing lab busted in Lawrenceville

Photos: Large marijuana-growing lab busted in Lawrenceville

Pittsburgh police pulled large bags full of marijuana out of a commercial building where they suspect a growing lab was operating in Lawrenceville.

Pittsburgh Police Acting Chief Regina McDonald and Cmdr. Eric Holmes at the scene of a marijuana-growing investigation in Lawrenceville.

The building is at Davison Avenue and Urbana Way in Lawrenceville.

"To do it above a business is bold, you know, and with as much traffic here, it's too bold to grow stuff like that," neighbor Laura Smith said.

Police said Michael Snee, 31, Shaun Hollis, 30, and Frederick Jeffcoat, 34, were charged with burglary, conspiracy and drug possession. There's still no word on who police suspect was running the grow operation.

These plants and chemicals were removed from the suspected marijuana grow lab.

These chemicals were removed from the suspected marijuana grow lab.

These chemicals were removed from the suspected marijuana grow lab.

These plants and chemicals were removed from the suspected marijuana grow lab.

Wearing a protective suit inside a suspected marijuana-growing lab, this investigator throws a box full of trash out a window and into a city Public Works truck.

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